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Robert Jefferies (guest)
Student , CT:

As a young republican, I just hope that the party is still around when I decide to run for public office(Just joking). I think the GOP needs new leadership, specifically in the House of Representatives. I think John Boehner was a terrible choice for republican leader, this guy just isn't cut out for leading the Republican party in the house and Roy Blunt was not too great as the republican whip. I personally would like to see Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana as Republican leader and possibly Rep. Jeb Hensarling of Texas or Jeff Flake of Arizona as whip. As far as the Senate is concerned, Sen. Mitch McConnell should continue as Minority leader, but I think Sen. John Kyl should be replaced as the Minority whip.

Garrett Imeson (guest)
Personal Trainer & Manager , ID:

The key problem I see for the Republicans in Congress is they need to take the proper steps to ensuring their survival and future resurgence as a political party. As I've stated before on here, I feel they need to go back to their fiscal conservative (and not social conservative) roots and pick their battles. They need to be bipartisan when the times calls for it and stand on principle when they think it calls for it as well. The problem is neither party has had that mindset in the minority recently. If the current leaders can be the face of a revamped Republican Party that returns to their original ideals, then I will not see them needing new leadership. However, I have sincere doubts about the current leadership's ability to take on this role in the legislature and public perception might prefer a change in leadership as well. So likely, yes.

Craig Maltby (guest)
Marketing Pro , IA:

Unfortunately, from the politically interested lay person's vantage point, all we get to see of the Congressional leadership is the TV news footage that highlights their partisan rancor and their constant adversarial stance.
We don't see the behind-the-scenes action that might indicate which leaders are viewed as effective in working across the aisle and forging consensus and necessary compromise. So I'm sure my view will be seen as terribly naive. That said, I would simply say GOP leadership should be comprised of those who understand that we need definitive action on many fronts, and that non-stop stalling and filibustering this new president's agenda will not only set this country back further than it already is, it will ensure an even larger Democratic majority in 2010 and 2012.
I'm not saying GOP leadership should lie down and abandon all principles. If they can calmly and convincingly state why they oppose or advocate a legislative proposal, or provide a meaningful alternative if it's something they absolutely cannot agree to, that would be much better than storming out of the chamber. And GOP leadership cannot threaten to ex-communicate its members who vote against the party from time to time. We need big boys and girls now more than ever.

Luis Antonio Thompson (guest)
Student , NY:

Response to Question: "Does the GOP need a change of leadership in Congress? Got any suggestions?" Perhaps this all starts with really asking themselves "What does the future look like? How can we tailor our message to inspire and instill in people a belief that we have a vision for the future as well?"

The problem is the PERCEPTION of the Republican platform: that it appeals to older, rich, out-of-touch white men. Therefore, the first thing that needs to happen is changing the face of the party to do what Beckham did for Soccer and even what Barack did for politics – make it sexy and cool. We need to see more Bobby Jindals and, yes, Sarah Palins to get a sense that there is more to the GOP than affluent older Caucasian males. Secondly, abandon the extreme “godless Americans” and "moral values" mantras. Repubs needs to embrace its flagship ideal - fiscal conservatism - while not stirring religion-based fear or outright condemning the social progressive movements of our country. Lastly, the GOP needs to be innovative. In 2008, the party’s standard-bearer admittedly knows nothing about the Internet. Which brings us back to my first point – the innovation will have to come from a vibrant younger generation.

Edward Stroligo (guest)
Writer , NY:

I think the leadership needs to do what the man they're ready to promote to #2, Eric Cantor, is saying. As he recently told the Washington Times, the Republican Party in Washington is no longer "relevant" to voters and must stop simply espousing principles. Instead, it must craft real solutions to health care and the economy. I would add that they need young, attractive spokespeople who can articulate those solutions to the media. Cantor is fine; Pawlenty does this well, too. Doing this also raises the bar for Palin, Jindal and other potential 2012 candidates, and give them the chance to show that they're up to snuff (or not).

Nancy Kirk (guest)
Writer , NY:

The phrase Republican leadership on the Hill is a perfect example of an oxymoron. Right now, that is. As the president-elect's agenda surfaces in the form of concrete legislation, the effectiveness of future Republican leaders will emerge. Until then, it would be wise for Republicans not to provide ammunition for the press to further divide them.

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